It’s one month closer to spring! While it may be too early to get back out on the lawn, it’s never too early to create a planting plan. Use this list of landscaper lawn tips to help prepare your yard and garden for the spring.

List of Landscaper Lawn Tips

Take it from the pros who know, there are specific things you can do to make the most of your yard prep. Here are some things you can start doing now to be ready for spring.

Plan. Create an outline and budget for everything you want to do in the garden this year. From the plants and fertilizer you’ll need to mapping where everything will go, think it all out first, and then work in phases over the spring and summer.

Purchase. While you’ll want to wait to buy some items, such as potted plants and mulch, there are still things you can stock up on now. Do you need any new tools? Evaluate what shape your current tool shed is in and upgrade if needed. You’ll also want a tarp, which has many functions in and around the garden. If you plan on creating a new walkway, invest in some weed fabric to help curb any unwanted growth under gravel or mulch.

Prepare. Once the ground has thawed, test your soil to analyze its current conditions. The results will help you determine how much fertilizer to use for your type of lawn and garden.

List of Landscaper Lawn Tips for When it’s Time to Plant

Once the weather warms and you’re ready to get planting, keep the following in mind.

Buy more than you think you need. When it comes to mulch and soil, you don’t want to short-change your yard and garden. After you calculate the square footage of the area you’re covering, round up to make sure there’s enough. Better yet, enlist the help of a pro who can help determine exactly how much you need, saving you time and trips to the garden center. The same goes for plants, especially if there’s a specific type you want. If you buy a few extra, you could always return them or find a place for them.

Bulk vs. bagged materials. If mulch, sand, and stone are on the shopping list, you can either buy these items bagged or in bulk. Think about the size of your project and what area it’s in. Can you accommodate a bulk delivery at your location? Will it be easy to access the pile and spread out the material? If yes, go bulk. If not, consider buying bagged material if you have to move it to a new location after delivery or it will be spread somewhere other than where it can be delivered.

Grouping plants. If your planting plan includes a lot of annual colors, consolidate these beauties to one bed or pots located in a high-visibility area—like the mailbox, walkway, or patio. Group any plant within a well-mulched bed so that you don’t have to mow or trim around them individually.

Give your garden a natural edge. Instead of using a plastic or metal barrier around your garden, create a natural edge with stone or simply dig a small trench around the garden to give it a particular look.

When it’s Time to Mow

Once your grass starts growing again and your mower is clean and ready, get back out in the yard and start mowing and fertilizing again. This fertilizer can easily come from grass clippings. Skip the bag and let the loose grass blades revitalize your lawn. You can also dip into your fall leaf pile to use as lawn food as well.

Professional Planting Plan

If planning for planting season seems a little overwhelming, don’t worry. There are plenty of pros to help prioritize your efforts to easily bring your lawn back to life. Contact Cardinal Lawns for more tips and tricks to make the most of this planning time and get you and your yard ready for spring.

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